Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. men's national team, is introduced as the newest member of Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. less

Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. men's national team, is introduced as the newest member of Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey holds up a scarf as fans cheer after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

Clint Dempsey holds up a scarf as fans cheer after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, prior to a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, holds up a scarf as he stands with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from right, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from left, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ceremony introducing Dempsey as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

Clint Dempsey, left, holds up a scarf as he stands with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from right, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from left, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders. less

A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A tifo -- the large fabric signs displayed at soccer matches -- that reads ''Keep Calm #DempseyWatch'' is displayed after Clint Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

A tifo -- the large fabric signs displayed at soccer matches -- that reads ''Keep Calm #DempseyWatch'' is displayed after Clint Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Fans cheer as Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Fans cheer as Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ceremony introducing Dempsey as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ceremony introducing Dempsey as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. less

Clint Dempsey, left, poses for a photo with Sounders owner Joe Roth, second from left, Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer, second from right, and Sounders president Peter McLoughlin, right, during a ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Fans hold up photos of Clint Dempsey during the ''March to the Match'' on Saturday. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders. less

Fans hold up photos of Clint Dempsey during the ''March to the Match'' on Saturday. Dempsey, who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, was introduced as the newest member of ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

A fan holds a giant photo of Clint Dempsey on Saturday during a match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands for the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands for the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, right, greets Sounders superfan Lorin ''Big Lo'' Sandretzky, left, after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, right, greets Sounders superfan Lorin ''Big Lo'' Sandretzky, left, after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right, on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey greets fans after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, left, is introduced as the newest member of the Sounders by majority owner Joe Roth, right on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is given a soccer scarf by Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer looks on at right. less

Clint Dempsey, left, is given a soccer scarf by Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer after Dempsey was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, left, is illuminated by a camera flash from the side as he holds up a scarf after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer looks on at right. less

Clint Dempsey, left, is illuminated by a camera flash from the side as he holds up a scarf after he was introduced as the newest member of the Sounders on Saturday. Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on Saturday.

Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Sounders' Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on Saturday. less

Seattle Sounders' Clint Dempsey stands in front of the Seattle Sounders supporters section during the singing of the National Anthem after he was introduced as the newest member of the MLS soccer team on ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Clint Dempsey addresses the crowd after he was introduced as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Clint Dempsey addresses the crowd after he was introduced as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey, right, captain of the U.S. men's national team and the newest member of the MLS Seattle Sounders, raises a Sounders scarf as he stands with supporters, Saturday.

Clint Dempsey, right, captain of the U.S. men's national team and the newest member of the MLS Seattle Sounders, raises a Sounders scarf as he stands with supporters, Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Clint Dempsey raises a Seattle Sounders scarf during a ceremony to introduce him as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Clint Dempsey raises a Seattle Sounders scarf during a ceremony to introduce him as the newest member of the team Saturday.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Seattle Sounders fans Larry McCann, right, and Nancy Cooper, left, both of Seattle, display a sign that has the Twitter hashtag #DempseyWatch outside CenturyLink Field before a MLS soccer match between the Sounders and FC Dallas. Clint Dempsey who previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, had been linked by reports to joining the Seattle Sounders. less

Seattle Sounders fans Larry McCann, right, and Nancy Cooper, left, both of Seattle, display a sign that has the Twitter hashtag #DempseyWatch outside CenturyLink Field before a MLS soccer match between the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Misty Saldivar, of Bellingham, has her face painted in support of Clint Dempsey on Saturday prior to a MLS soccer match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey previously played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and reports had linked him to joining the Seattle Sounders. less

Misty Saldivar, of Bellingham, has her face painted in support of Clint Dempsey on Saturday prior to a MLS soccer match between the Sounders and FC Dallas in Seattle. Dempsey previously played for Tottenham ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Sounders fans carry photos of Clint Dempsey as they take part in the traditional ''March to the Match'' on Saturda.

Seattle Sounders fans carry photos of Clint Dempsey as they take part in the traditional ''March to the Match'' on Saturda.

Josh Youngchild makes a Clint Dempsey No. 2 Sounders jersey Saturday at On the Field, a store that sells Seattle sports team gear.

Josh Youngchild makes a Clint Dempsey No. 2 Sounders jersey Saturday at On the Field, a store that sells Seattle sports team gear.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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New Sounders star Clint Dempsey: 'I look to be here for a long time'

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Every few months for two years, Sounders FC part-owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer would call up Clint Dempsey’s agent and ask whether the soccer star might like to return to America. More specifically, whether he might be available for the Sounders.

“And the answer was always, ‘No chance,'” Haunauer said Monday. “No chance, no chance, no chance.”

About five weeks ago, things started to change; rumors started flying that Dempsey might soon be available. Then, two weeks ago, Hanauer got a call from Todd Durban, the Major League Soccer VP in charge of player deals and negotiations.

Naturally, the Sounders — particularly majority owner Joe Roth — jumped at the opportunity. They found out that Dempsey, who had just played at CenturyLink Field as the captain of the U.S. men’s national team, was interested in coming to Seattle. So they worked with him, his agent, his team (Tottendam Hotspur of the English Premier League) and the MLS to arrive at a deal.

Last week, rumors started flying that Dempsey could return to the MLS and that he would likely come to Seattle. Travelers at San Francisco International Airport spotted him Thursday near a gate for a flight to Seattle, but he wasn’t seen boarding it. Up at Sea-Tac, Sounders fans on the lookout never saw him.

But, indeed, Dempsey was on that flight. He had to “duck out the back door, so to speak, because we had to keep it a secret,” Dempsey said Monday as the Sounders held a news conference for his signing.

By Friday evening, that cat was out of the bag. Reports started flying that Dempsey had signed with Seattle. The Sounders announced they planned a “special announcement” before Saturday’s match against FC Dallas, and the speculation was they’d introduce Dempsey as the newest Seattle Sounder.

And they did.

“Walking out on the field, it was like a movie,” Dempsey said Monday of the experience Saturday. “I’ve never felt so appreciated and welcomed.”

But that wasn’t the first time Dempsey had witnessed the wild atmosphere Seattle soccer fans bring to the CLink. On June 11, he got a first-hand taste of Sounders mayhem when he and the U.S. men’s national team took on (and beat) Panama in the first World Cup qualifier Seattle had hosted in 37 years.

“The atmosphere was great. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had representing my country in the States. It was like we were in another country,” Dempsey said of that qualifier.

From left to right: Sounders FC president Peter McLoughlin, general manager Adrian Hanauer, player Clint Dempsey and head coach Sigi Schmid pose with new Dempsey jerseys before a news conference Monday in Seattle. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)

“It was important to be in Seattle because of the fanbase, the atmosphere,” Dempsey said about his decision to sign with the Sounders. He also considered the notoriety of head coach Sigi Schmid, he spoke with Sounders star Eddie Johnson about the team, and he got a taste of the Pacific Northwest by going fishing with Sounders goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. “It’s just really the perfect place to be. You can do everything, on and off the field.”

Dempsey will wear No. 2 on his Sounders jersey, having convinced rookie DeAndre Yedlin to switch numbers. And Schmid said Dempsey will get on the pitch as soon as possible — he recently played in a few Tottenham preseason games, but is still working to get into top game shape.

He is aware of the immense pressure he will face as one of the biggest names in Major League Soccer. At the news conference Monday, Sounders representatives including Schmid and Hanauer were careful to not hype up Dempsey too much, saying it might take the Sounders and Dempsey a little while to figure out his best fit with the club.

Yet the Sounders (9-7-4 in league play) are quite aware of the offensive firepower Dempsey could bring to the pitch.

“It certainly improves our chances to win the MLS Cup,” Scmid said. “It’s a tremendous reward for our fans and it’s a tremendous step forward for our league. … By bringing a player like Clint back (to the MLS), it makes a statement that we’re ready for the next level.”

Dempsey reportedly will make $6.86 million over 3 1/2 years for a total of $24 million, and the fee for his transfer from Tottenham is reportedly $9 million. The contract is an MLS record, breaking David Beckham’s former record salary of $6.5 million a year.

Hanauer would not comment Monday on the financial aspects of Dempsey’s contract with the Sounders. But Dempsey himself did say he hopes to stay in Seattle for a good while — even hoping to raise a family here.

“It’s a long-term move,” Dempsey said, “and yes, I look to be here for a long time.”

Clint Dempsey raises a Sounder scarf after being introduced as the newest member of the club Saturday before the team’s match against FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)

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